The Phillies Zone

MIAMI — Mike Adams, a reliever the Phillies could have shopped this July if healthy, will not return until Aug. 6 at the earliest. Adams, who has rotator cuff inflammation in his right shoulder, was transferred to the 60-day disabled list Wednesday as the Phillies shuffled their roster.

Cuban pitcher Miguel Alfredo Gonzalez was activated from the 60-day DL and optioned to double-A Reading. The righthander, signed to a $12 million contract, is a reliever for now. That transaction forced the Phillies to move Adams, disabled since June 7.

Adams recently said he would not pitch again until sometime after the All-Star break. That downtime will extend even longer.

In a separate roster move, Domonic Brown was placed on the paternity leave list. Brown can stay inactive for up to three games. Outfielder Aaron Altherr was recalled to replace him.

Additionally, backup catcher Wil Nieves (strained right quadriceps) started a rehab assignment with the Gulf Coast League Phillies and could be activated by Friday when eligible.

Adams underwent surgery on his shoulder last summer, and there were no guarantees for 2014. He started the season on the disabled list but impressed in 17 innings with a 2.12 ERA. The 35-year-old righthander is owed $7 million this season.

Gonzalez, who turns 28 in September, made three starts at single-A Clearwater with a 6.75 ERA and nine walks in 9 1/3 innings. He stopped his throwing program because of fatigued and returned as a reliever. That, so far, is a better look.

He pitched six innings of relief for Clearwater and allowed one run with eight strikeouts and no walks. Now he will be tested with better competition.

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